You can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, released on October 26th, 2012 in a number of ways. This guide will show you your options and show you how to upgrade based on your choice:

Upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, or 7 via upgrade Disc

Upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, or 7 via online purchase

Upgrade a Windows 7 PC purchased between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013

Order a PC with Windows 8 Pre-installed

Try before you buy

Note: Prices listed are in USD and will vary by locality.

If you’re upgrading from a previous version of Windows, here’s what will carry through the upgrade:

Upgrading from:

What you can keep:

Windows 8 Preview

Personal files

Windows 8 Developer Preview

Nothing, but your old files will be saved in the “windows.old” folder

Windows 7

Software programs; Windows settings; personal files

Windows Vista

Windows settings; personal files

Windows XP

Personal files

Note: If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows XP, Vista, or 7, and wish to upgrade to 64-bit Windows, backup your settings and personal files as these will not be kept during the upgrade.

Upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, or 7 via upgrade Disc

Upgrade discs are available for purchase ($70) from Amazon.com, Best Buy, and other major retailers as well as the Microsoft Store (after October 26th.) The upgrade disc will cost $70, although you may find companies offering discounts or promotions around the launch of Windows 8. This offer is valid until January, 2013.

Order a PC with Windows 8 Pre-installed

If you want to dive in an try Windows 8 without installing or upgrading yourself, it may be time to consider some new hardware. The market will be saturated with Windows 8-ready touch screen devices this holiday season. Top touch screen picks include the Dell XPS 12 and, running on Windows 8 RT, the Surface.